Pretoria:The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has appointed Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane as the new Chairperson of its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. This decision was made during a virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to South African Government News Agency, the summit also approved the appointment of Treasure Thembisile Maphanga as Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration. Maphanga, an executive from Eswatini, brings extensive experience in continental trade, industrial policy, and institutional development, which is expected to bolster the implementation of regional priorities outlined in the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030.

Matekane's appointment completes the Organ Troika, joining current Chairperson King Mswati III of Eswatini and outgoing Chairperson Malawi President Arthur Peter Mutharika. The role of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration includes strategic oversight of programmes related to regional trade, industrialisation, infrastructure development, and economic cooperation among member states.

The summit also emphasized the need for enhanced regional disaster preparedness and the improvement of coordination in addressing emerging humanitarian risks, particularly concerning the potential impacts of the 2026/2027 El Niño and cyclone season. Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo was congratulated for hosting the inaugural International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in Africa.

Additionally, the summit expressed gratitude to outgoing Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Angèle Makombo N'Tumba for her dedicated service and contributions during her tenure. President Ramaphosa extended thanks to the Heads of State and Government for their participation, highlighting the importance of collective regional integration efforts.